Story and photos by Lisa Evans (unless otherwise indicated)
Where Is Coastal Mississippi?
Coastal Mississippi, perhaps even Mississippi in general, is sometimes thought to be a forgotten area. Having heard it referred to as ‘the landmass between Alabama and Louisiana”, I am here to help shatter that tagline. The fact of the matter is we have a beautiful area which we call The Secret Coast.
Coastal Mississippi is an area of natural beauty and Southern charm. There are 62 miles of magnificent coastline, which means a myriad of coastal communities, each with its own personality. Twelve cities lie within the lower three coastal counties of Mississippi, and I would like to share them with you.
Bay St. Louis – Waveland Area
Waveland is on the westernmost coast, closest to the Louisiana border. Known as “The Hospitality City”, it does not allow any commercial buildings on its beachfront. It is home to Buccaneer State Park, which is comprised of 343 acres of beachfront property. There is a campground, a water park, nature trails for hiking, and golf – something for everyone. Fun Fact: the land the park sits on was first recorded in history as being used by Jean Lafitte and his followers for smuggling and pirating in the late 1700s.
Heading east, you will next encounter Bay St. Louis, named in 1699 for Louis IX of France. This whimsical city is a place of true beauty and is located at the entrance of St. Louis Bay, along the Mississippi Sound. This guarantees spectacular views. It is a community of fabulous restaurants, boutique shops, and galleries, a notable Bed & Breakfast, and hospitality galore. Recognized as one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America” by Budget Travel, and as a top 10 small beach town by Coastal Living Magazine, the secret may be out! Bay St. Louis should be a definite stop during any visit to Coastal Mississippi.
Pass Christian – Long Beach Area
As you continue west on your trek through Coastal Mississippi, you will next come to Pass Christian, or as referred to by the locals, “The Pass”. Here you will find historic homes and majestic Oak trees, but the city still manages to continue a casual lifestyle for its residents. The Pass also houses the second oldest yacht club in North America.
You may also have heard of Robin Roberts. She was raised in The Pass and her sister continues to own and operate a gallery gift shop here. This shop features handmade items she and other talented artists have created. Robin frequents the area often, so one might bump into her if exploring her hometown.
Long Beach, “The Friendly City”
Next is Long Beach, dubbed “The Friendly City”. A family-oriented town with gorgeous views of the Mississippi Sound, the residents here love to have outings at the public beach. Long Beach is extremely bicycle-friendly, and this is a preferred method of getting around. Whether biking, strolling, or running along the beach, or fishing at the pier, visitors are enveloped in the small community spirit that permeates the area. The Gulf Coast Campus of the University of Southern Mississippi is located on the beachfront and is home to the historic Friendship Oak, a must-see if in the area.
Gulfport
Here you will find the second-largest city in the state of Mississippi, and one of the seats for the Harrison County government. The Gulfport-Biloxi International airport can be found here, which serves as the gateway to the Gulf Coast. Jones Park is located at the juncture of the two busiest thoroughfares in the state – Highway 90 and Highway 49.
It is a breathtaking place to relax and enjoy views of the Mississippi Sound, as well as stunning sunrises and sunsets. The well-maintained pier is used for fishing, and the harbor allows you to have your boat in a slip there, or cast off in your kayak. A revitalized downtown area has opened several new dining and entertainment areas, as well as bringing to life an eclectic public art scene at Fishbone Alley.
Another name you may have heard is Brett Favre – he was born in Gulfport. There is also a thriving, working seaport at the Port of Gulfport. Fun Fact: The Port of Gulfport is the second-largest destination for bananas coming into America. It is also designated as a Strategic Seaport, meaning the military can use the port for cargo and equipment shipments.
Biloxi in Coastal Mississippi
The other seat for the Harrison County government and principal city along Coastal Mississippi, Biloxi was known in the 1920s as the “Seafood Capital of the World”. With its plentiful seafood harvests, look no further for the best fresh seafood. This is brought to market by some of the hardest working fishermen and women one can find. There is nothing so dazzling as driving along Beach Boulevard (Highway 90) during the first few days of shrimp season. The Mississippi Sound is peppered with shrimping vessels of all kinds, casting their nets, with the sun glinting off the water. Biloxi is home to most of the area’s twelve luxury casino resorts. Visitors can catch a ride on a schooner, or a dinner cruise on a riverboat. The possibilities are endless.
Ocean Springs, a Fanciful Arts Community
Continuing east toward the Alabama border, cross over the Biloxi Bay – Ocean Spring bridge into the city of Ocean Springs. This is a fanciful arts community, snuggled in with centuries-old live Oak trees. The city has over 200 independent shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Government Street runs through the downtown area where one finds many of the above-mentioned shops. It also closes one weekend a year to host the outdoor Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival. Within Ocean Springs, there are also cultural museums highlighting the history of artists from the area like Walter Anderson. The community center showcases a 3000 square foot mural by the iconic artist.
Gautier and Moss Point
This area is one for those who appreciate nature and the outdoors. From the Sandhill Crane Refuge to the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, eco-tours of the area to airboat tours at the Gator Ranch. Here you will find an exciting adventure and see remarkable species of birds, alligators, and other wildlife firsthand. Be sure to bring your camera! Fun Fact: the Mississippi Sandhill Crane, with its 8′ wingspan, is indigenous to Jackson County and is the rarest crane in North America.
Pascagoula, the Easternmost Part of Coastal Mississippi
Reaching the easternmost area of the Mississippi Coast closest to Alabama, sits the city of Pascagoula. Here you will see glorious antebellum architecture in a city named for the Pascagoula Indians and whose name means “bread people”. This name was given because the natives used the starchy plants from along the Pascagoula River to make their bread. If the word Parrothead is familiar, you might know the original Parrothead – Jimmy Buffet – was born here. Visitors will want to see Gateway Oak, located in Lighthouse Park, a beautiful Oak tree that is over a century old. Fun Fact: Pascagoula is home to the largest manufacturing employer in the state of Mississippi – Ingalls Shipbuilding.
Come See Coastal Mississippi – The Secret Coast
The coastal communities mentioned here all have a natural beauty that brings them together: The Mississippi Sound. The Sound is classified as an estuary – a place where freshwater rivers meet the salty sea. Off Coastal Mississippi are the Barrier Islands of Cat, Ship, Deer, Horn, Round, and Petit Bois. The ecosystem in the Sound is unique. Therefore, our seafood and fishing industries thrive.
Each city has its own exclusive allure, while also embracing the commonality and shared appreciation of our area’s natural beauty. We are indeed a hidden gem – The Secret Coast.
